The
"Finnish orchid conservation group"
Some years ago I, Matti, reseived a call. It was from a woman, who had
read my writings of Finnish orchids from the Orkidealehti, member newsletter
of Finnish orchid society. That lady, Sinikka Schönberg, asked if
we could meet and talk about these plants. That we did, and soon we already
were good friends. Little later I met some friends of Sinikka´s.
They all were members of "Espoon ympäristöyhdistys", an nature
protector group in Espoo, city next to Helsinki. That group had also seen
many orchids in Espoo. In the following summer we already sow many orchids
in Finland. We became good friends, and we were all the time looking for
new species of orchids. During summer 2001, we went to many places, including
Sweden and to city of Lappeenranta, with Sinikka Schönberg, Reijo
Turunen, Liisa Salonen and Matti Niissalo. Next summer won´t be less
active ain any ways. We have already desided many trips to next summer,
some of which we can´t possibly get time to.
We would also like to start conservation work of orchids. We are intrested
in any tips in this matter. It is even possible, that we start a society
of our own, if we just can get large enough group of people. If you are
an orchid-hobbyist, who would be intrested in seeing our orchids in your
summer vacation, you may contact us. Also, if you have some ideas of protecting
orchids, we are wery intrested in hearing your ideas. We are also looking
for people who could grow the seeds we collect into plants. We beliewe
that for example Gymnadenia conopsea and Coeloglossum viride,
perhaps also Liparis loeselii and Calypso bulbosa must be
started to be grown in this way, if we want them to grow here still after
few decates. Yet, if you have plants which you know to be from Finnish
origin, let us know. Exspecially, f anyone would has collected Herminium
monorchis into his or her garden from Finland (althought I doupt that...),
please do not be afraid to send us e-mail!
But of course we cannot start protecting orchids until we will get
information and some practical scills for this job.
We will also make some trips in sumer 2002, which we can accept one
or few extra people!